Eat These 10 Foods to Speed Up Your Metabolism and Lose Weight Quickly

Your metabolism is more than just the process of transforming your food into energy.

It also aids in maintaining basic functions, such as the repairing of cells, hormonal balance, breathing and even blood circulation.

There are quite a few factors which influence it, such as gender, age, height, weight and your daily eating habits.

The faster your metabolism is, the more energetic you feel, and the quicker you lose weight.

And, as you can imagine, there are many bad sides to having a slow metabolism. Dry skin, swollen joints, weight gain, cholesterol, fatigue, heavy menstrual discharge, slower heart rate and depression.

That’s why it’s so important to give your metabolism a natural boost, and these 10 superfoods are the ideal way to do it!

And while the truth remains that one’s metabolism is partly influenced by genetics, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about speeding it up!

1. Lemons

They not only cleanse your digestive system and liver, but also boost up your metabolic function!

This is thanks to the high vitamin C and enzyme content which are both great for ridding your body of toxins.

They do this by turning those toxins into compounds which are subsequently eliminated in the form of waste.

What you need to do is simple: drink one glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed into it.

Do this first thing in the morning as it is most useful when taken on an empty stomach. You could also add lemons into many different types of salads or meals.

That way you’ll be integrating it into your daily diet as well!

2. Green Tea

Green tea has long been renowned for its metabolism boosting properties. So it’s hardly surprising that it’s included in this list.

It aids one’s metabolic activity thanks to its polyphenols and antioxidants.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had published a study back in 1999 in which it claims that green tea can promote the oxidation of fat thanks to its thermogenic properties.

So it’s not just thanks to its caffeine content.

A study by Physiology and Behavior published in 2010 claimed green tea was an excellentweight loss and weight maintenance agent.

The catechins and caffeine it contains help in both the speeding up of one’s metabolic rate as well as energy expenditure during the process of weight loss.

It’s best to drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea each day for best metabolism and weight loss results.

3. Cayenne Pepper

It has a special compound called capsaicin, which, thanks to its thermogenic properties, can successfully speed up your metabolic rate.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry had published a study in 2008 where it claims that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper boosts metabolism and body temperature.

This helps one manage their weight. The Oxford Journal Chemical Senses could only concur in their 2011 study.

Capsaicin is also useful for enhancing the protein activity inside fat cells for breaking down the fat. So it’s great for fat oxidation as well.

According to another study, published by Appetite in 2012, consuming cayenne pepper can aid weight management in three separate categories: increased oxidation of lipids, increased energy levels, and lowered appetite.

4. Grapefruits

These citric fruits are abundant in the much-needed vitamin C. In this case, this vitamin is great for aiding in fat burning and regulating fat metabolism.

But that’s not their only helpful component. They contain a flavonoid called naringenin, whose antioxidant properties are a great help to your metabolism.

This flavonoid is also great for lowering insulin levels in your blood. Which leads to improved blood sugar levels and, yes, a faster metabolism.

Nutrition and Metabolism had published a study in 2011 where they explained that a combination of a diet low on calories with a glass of grapefruit juice (or a grapefruit as a snack) not only regulates one’s metabolism, but also speeds up the process of weight loss.

Moreover, there is a significant improvement in one’s lipid profiles.

For best results, drink your freshly-squeezed grapefruit with plenty of pulp in it.

However, as healthy as grapefruit is, it can interact with certain medications, so best to consult with your physician before including it into your diet.

5. Apples

Healthy in plenty of ways as it already is, it can also help in naturally boosting your metabolism.

They are perfect for anyone trying to lose weight thanks to their low-calorie content and high soluble fiber content (which can also aid in bowel movement and digestion).

The fiber in apples is also useful for keeping one’s cells from absorbing fat and encourages them to absorb more water.

So it’s not wonder that your metabolic activity is boosted.

To top it all off, it keeps you fuller for longer and keeps any unhealthy cravings at bay. This counts especially if you consume one whole apple before starting your meal.

Which apples are the best? All are packed with benefits, but green apples take first place when it comes to boosting your metabolic rate.

6. Ginger

This common kitchen ingredient also has thermogenic abilities. This means it can slightly increase body temperature, and with it, one’s metabolic rate.

It also helps increase the feeling of satisfaction which ultimately leads to lesser calories consumed. It helps burn the ones which have already been consumed, which makes it a double plus!

Life Sciences, in their 2009 study, had discovered that ginger may decrease the visceral fat amount and improve one’s fat metabolism.

If you consume it on a regular basis, there is even a chance that it will limit the side effects of a high-cholesterol diet.

A 2012 study published by Metabolism also confirms its usefulness when it comes to weight managing and metabolism boosting.

7. Black Coffee

It’s a no-brainer that this is thanks to its high caffeine content, which also stimulates the psychoactive central nervous system, and thus, improves one’s metabolic rate.

Caffeine is not only good for increasing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine (which help your body in releasing fats), but it also hinders adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had published a study back in 1980, according to which coffee can have immediate effects on both your fat oxidation and your metabolism, if taken after a meal.

The same journal had published a 2006 study in which they discovered that coffee can also increase thermogenesis, for the most part by increasing the oxidation of fat.

It also has a role in stimulating the nervous system, so that it signals the fat cells to break down the fat.

But remember, too much coffee can be counterproductive, it’s best to drink just 2-3 cups a day.

8. Cinnamon

Not only is it delicious, but it turns out it’s great for losing weight as well. Low in calories but high in phytochemicals and antioxidants, it’s no wonder it can greatly boost your metabolism.

Cinnamon is also an excellent natural blood glucose stabilizer! It heightens your body’s sensitivity to insulin which leads to a decrease in body fats!

Diabetes Care had published a study in 2008 in which it reports how cinnamon aids in lowering cholesterol and improving blood sugar.

It also lowers one’s triglyceride levels. All of this is great news for those who have diabetes.

Moreover on the subject, the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology had published a study in 2010 in which it claims that cinnamon, as well as certain components of it, have a beneficial effect on all of the problems linked to metabolic syndrome: body weight, lipids, antioxidants, inflammation, glucose, and insulin sensitivity.

Experts advise taking half or one teaspoon of cinnamon for 20 days in order to improve one’s metabolism.

Nothing stops you from continuing with it after those 20 days have passed as cinnamon is completely safe.

9. Almonds

Don’t let the fact that almonds have a high-calorie content deter you from consuming them. They are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids which are ideal for boosting your metabolism.

The Omega-3s are great for reducing the production of the hormone leptin, which is a natural chemical that slows down your metabolic rate.

Furthermore, it would appear that almonds also have a positive effect on one’s energy expenditure.

The British Journal of Nutrition had published a study in 2007 in which they explained that due to its high fiber content, almonds do not cause weight gain for those who eat them.

Other than lowering your cholesterol, they also play a role in reducing the glycemic impact of the carbs you eat, as long as you eat them at the same time as almonds.

They are also rather high in proteins, which means they help in the burning of calories after being consumed.

Just a handful of almonds a day is more than enough to reap the benefits. Don’t overdo it.

10. Broccoli

Truly a superfood to marvel at, it is bursting with all sorts of vitamins and minerals, of which Vitamin C and calcium, two of the most essential components for a fast-working metabolism.

Calcium is the trigger, and vitamin C helps in the better absorption of this mineral. Additionally, it is chock-full of photochemical, whose role in breaking down fats is priceless.

Not to mention this vegetable is super low in calories, so you can munch on it as much as you want!

You should definitely consider integrating it into your daily diet for best results, not only concerning your metabolism but your general health as well.